Hands up, who knew cork was so amazing?! Whilst it might conjure up memories of the 1970s for some, over the years it’s been given a fresh facelift and repurposed in such inventive, creative ways that this article is about celebrating the wonder that is cork.

First things first. The material itself is incredible. Why? Because it’s extremely waterproof (despite what you might think!), it’s resistant to abrasion, it acts as a fire retardant AND it’s an acoustic insulator!

What’s even better is how it’s made: Most cork is grown in Portugal in forests of cork oak trees called “montados”. The process by which cork is made also could not be more sustainable. It is harvested by stripping the outer layer of skin off the tree with a small hatchet that then regrows in time for the next harvest. The cork is shredded and compressed at high temperatures, causing it to expand and the sap to melt to form a glue that binds it all together. Once cooled, it can be cut to measure ready to be put up as cladding. None of the harvested bark goes to waste in the process apart from the dust produced along the way, and that’s it – no added ingredients!

If you’re like us and are totally sold on cork already, let’s take you through some awesome examples of just how you can incorporate it into your home.

Clad it inside and out

We are completely in love with this project by nimtim architects who used cork to externally and internally clad the rear extension to a terrace house in South London. Not only does the cork complement the existing brickwork on the original house but the pop of pink on the window and door frames brings vitality and freshness to the whole design.

nimtim architects have a brilliant collaborative approach to making projects, and this project was a co-creation with the clients – a graphic designer and photography agent. “It’s important for us to create an outcome that everyone could feel a sense of pride and ownership in” – Allie Mackinnon, project runner.

“The cork offers so much as a building material,” Mackinnon said. “It ticks all the boxes when it comes to thermal and acoustic performance but is also breathable, free from chemicals, synthetic resins and carcinogenic materials and creates a healthy environment inside the house.”

If that wasn’t enough goodness, there is also the added benefit of cost savings. The cork cost approximately £35/m2 and was a saving of approximately £66/m2 if compared to the traditional internal wall build up (plasterboard, plastering, paint).

Back to good reads